I asked Gov. Pawlenty today if he’s supporting Arizona Sen. John McCain’s reelection bid to the U.S. Senate. His response: “I am.”

McCain, who was the 2008 GOP nominee for president, is facing a primary challenge from J.D. Hayworth and it’s getting a bit ugly. Conservative Radio host Rush Limbaugh blasted former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on Tuesday for backing McCain.

Pawlenty co-chaired the McCain for President committee and was on his short-list for a running mate.

About the blogger

Tom Scheck has covered politics and state government for more than ten years for MPR News. He’s covered several gubernatorial campaigns, two statewide recounts, the presidential bids of Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann, U.S. Senate races, close Congressional contests and the Minnesota Legislature. He lives in Falcon Heights with his wife, son and dog. He can sometimes be found chasing a white ball on a golf course. It isn’t a straight walk. Tips are welcome at tscheck@mpr.org

That doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement. Pawlenty is trying to fly under the radar with McCain. That’s a shame. McCain deserves better from one of his main surrogates in the 2008 campaign. It looks like Pawlenty isn’t willing to offend the tea parties and Rush Limbaugh.